Forge Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1971–1971 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Forge Creek was last stocked September 16, 1971 with Cutthroat Trout. Forge Creek has 2 stocking records on file, spanning 1971–1971, with about 1,120 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Forge Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Montana.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Forge Creek, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Forge Creek was last stocked September 16, 1971, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Montana freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Montana license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Montana fish & wildlife agency.Official Montana regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Forge Creek:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Forge Creek
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Forge Creek, freshest activity first.
Picket Pin Lake, North
2 mi1 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 2025
Glacier Lake
7 mi3 species · 40 records
Last stocked August 2025
Bramble Creek Lake 39
9 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2024
Picket Pin Lake, South
2 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2023
Saderbalm Lake
7 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 2022
Bramble Creek Lake 40
9 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 16, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 560 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1971 | Cutthroat Trout | 560 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Forge Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Forge Creek was last stocked September 16, 1971 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Forge Creek?
Forge Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Forge Creek stocked?
Forge Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 2 recorded stockings between 1971 and 1971.
How many fish have been stocked in Forge Creek?
About 1,120 fish have been stocked in Forge Creek across 2 recorded events since 1971, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Forge Creek?
Fish stocked in Forge Creek average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Forge Creek?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Montana freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Montana fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Forge Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Forge Creek typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.